FAQs

Question

What is the recommended attire?

Answer

This is definitely the most-asked question! We are getting married in a botanical garden, so there is no need to dress semi-formal. Men - you do NOT have to wear a suit - nice pants and a button-down shirt are fine! (Please no jeans or shorts.) Ladies - A nice sundress or jumpsuit is perfect! Sneakers or sandals are both fine to wear. We want everyone to be comfortable and have fun (and dance!) :) Overall, we are calling the attire "Garden Smart" or "Garden Cocktail".

Question

What time should I arrive at the ceremony?

Answer

Our ceremony begins promptly at 3:00pm, but music will begin at 2:30pm. You can also arrive early to walk around the beautiful grounds.

Question

How far is Brookside Gardens from Courtyard Silver Spring North/White Oak (wedding hotel)?

Answer

Our wedding hotel is the closest to Brookside Gardens and is approximately 5 miles from our wedding venue, a 12-14 minute drive, depending on traffic.

Question

Is there transportation between the Courtyard White Oak (wedding hotel) & Brookside Gardens for those guests staying there?

Answer

While we do not have a dedicated shuttle between the wedding hotel & Brookside Gardens, please reach out if you need help arranging for transportation and we are more than happy to assist! Our wedding-dedicated email is timothyandlynne@gmail.com.

Question

Is there parking for the ceremony or reception?

Answer

Yes, there is plenty of free parking at the venue. (We do not recommend leaving your car there overnight.)

Question

Where do I go when I arrive at Brookside Gardens?

Answer

Staff will greet you when you arrive and direct you to the ceremony. There is a walking path that will be clearly marked, showing you the way to the Yew Garden. If you have requested golf cart access, please let Brookside staff know and they will give you a lift to the ceremony!

Question

Will there be any kind of assistance for guests who can't do a lot of walking?

Answer

Yes! Brookside Gardens will provide any guest who needs assistance with a ride via golf cart between the parking lot/visitor's center & ceremony, and again between any of the gardens. IMPORTANT ~ Please email us at timothyandlynne@gmail.com if you will need assistance, as your name will need to be on a list ahead of time. (Think of it as a special wedding VIP list!)

Question

Is the entire wedding outside?

Answer

Yes! (weather-permitting of course) Our wedding will take place in three separate places at Brookside Gardens, all outdoors, and all within walking distance of each other. (Reminder, we will be able to provide golf cart access to anyone needing assistance - please just ask!) Please check out the section titled "About Brookside Gardens" to read more about our wedding locations! In the unlikely event of rain, we do have a plan B where the wedding takes place indoors at Brookside Gardens.

Question

Will there be any access to air conditioning if it is very hot out?

Answer

Our reception area on the south terrace of the gardens is attached to to the Visitors Center which is indoors and air conditioned! Please feel free to pop in as often as you'd like to cool off if it ends up being a particularly warm evening. (The restrooms will also be found here, with plenty of signs to direct you).

Question

Will we be walking a lot on grass during the wedding?

Answer

Only if you want to! There are plenty of paved paths that connect the different gardens at Brookside, but there are also grassy areas to explore. (Sneakers > Stilettos)

Question

Are there any other events that I should know about around the wedding?

Answer

Absolutely! Please see the page titled "Wedding Weekend Details" for more information.

Question

Is it someone's birthday the week of the wedding?

Answer

Why yes... yes it is! Tim turns 50 two days before the wedding!

Question

Do you have any hotel recommendations?

Answer

Yes! We have reserved a hotel block at Courtyard by Marriott Silver Spring North/White Oak, and have also included a few other recommendations on our "Traveling to Maryland & Where to Stay" tab.

Question

Will I get a welcome bag if I am staying at the wedding hotel (Courtyard Silver Spring North/White Oak)?

Answer

Yes! If you booked a room through the link on our wedding website, or called and mentioned the code, a welcome bag will be waiting for you at check-in! If you are staying at the wedding hotel, but booked your room on your own, please let us know ~ your welcome bag will be in the bridal suite.

Question

Are there any pet-friendly hotels you can recommend?

Answer

Absolutely! In fact, our reserved hotel block is at a pet-friendly hotel. Please email us at timothyandlynne@gmail.com for additional recommendations.